ASSIGNMENT SKAA4743 Sem II 2014/2015

Answer all the following questions (Total Marks 65 %)

Q1.

Various types of laboratory test are available to obtain intact (material)

properties and strength of rock for design of rock engineering structures like
foundation, tunnel and slope. Answer the following questions:

(a)

Explain briefly why data obtained from index tests is not suitable for use in
detailed design?
(3 marks)
Data obtained from index tests are just an indicator (index) on certain properties
of rock, hence it is not suitable for detailed design which normally requires the
fundamental properties (3 marks)

(b)

Explain why data on rock strength obtained for laboratory test cannot be applied
directly in design of a structure in a rock mass?
(3 marks)
Data on rock strength obtained from lab tests are based on small size intact rock
sample and fresh. However, rock mass in the field is often discontinuous and
weathered. In terms of strength, lab data will give a higher strength than the in
situ rock mass (3 marks)

(c)

Disc-shaped rock samples were tested for their tensile strength using Brazilian
test. Some of these samples display existing fractures that are at different
orientations with respect to loading axis, as shown in Figure 1 (a) to (d).

Why Brazilian Test is also termed an indirect tensile strength test? (3 marks)
The applied load is compression but the sample fails under tensile fracture
(manner) which occurs vertically and along its diameter. (2 marks)
Sketch (1 mark)

Which 2 samples will display similar tensile strength? State a reason for your
answer.
(3 marks)
Sample [a] and [b] (1 mark)
No existing crack (weakness plane) occurs along the vertical diameter of the
sample, where tensile crack/fracture plane is likely to occur (2 marks)

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For all the samples shown in Figure 1 which sample will show the lowest tensile
strength? State a reason for your answer.
(3 marks)
Sample [d] (1 mark)
Failure in Brazilian test is diametrical fracture that occur vertically along sample
diameter. Since sample [d] exhibits existing vertical cracks and failure readily
occurs along this cracks, hence giving very low tensile strength (2 marks)

Loading

Existing
fracture

[b]

[a]

[c]

[d]

Figure 1: Existing fracture in samples in Brazilians Test

Q2.

Data obtained from UCT test on two (2) core samples, consists of normal
stress and axial strain, are listed in Table 1 and Table 2.

Table 1: Stress-strain data - TEST 1

Normal stress
(MPa)
0.0
0.9
6.6
17.4
30.6
37.7
44.7
52.7
60.7
68.2

(a)

Axial strain
(%)
0.000
0.001
0.011
0.029
0.054
0.066
0.081
0.096
0.113
0.128

Table 2: Stress-strain data - TEST 2

Normal stress
(MPa)
0.0
1.4
8.5
21.7
38.1
46.1
55.1
65.0
80.0
93.7

Axial strain
(%)
0.000
0.001
0.011
0.029
0.054
0.066
0.081
0.099
0.125
0.150

Plot the stress versus strains curves for both TEST 1 and TEST 2? (Note: plot
all curves on the same X and Y axis)
(6 marks)

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Stress-strain curve for core sample

100

TEST 2 - Sample
B

80

Stress (MPa)

TEST 1 - Sample
A
60

40

20

0
0.00

0.02

0.04

0.06

0.08

0.10

0.12

0.14

0.16

Strain (%)

Plot with labels (6 marks)

(b)

For the curve obtained for Test 1, calculate the tangent Youngs modulus at 50
% UCS?
(2 marks)
Et at 50% UCS

(c)

= 34 MPa / 0.06 %
= (34 106 Pa) / (0.0006)
= 56.7 GPa

(1 mark)
(1 mark)

Figure 2 shows the 2 samples used in the UCT. Sample A exibits 2 pre-existing
cracks which are inclined and intersecting, and Sample B with 2 pre-existing
cracks and are perpendicular to loading. Based on the plotted curves, state
which test (Test 1 or Test 2) was conducted on Sample B? Give a brief
explanation for your answer
(3 marks)

Sample A

Sample B

Figure 2: Rock samples with existing crack under compression

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TEST 2 is on SAMPLE B (1 mark)
Reason: Sample B is stronger than sample A as its pre-existing cracks are
perpendicular to loading, and this is shown by higher UCS in TEST 2 (2 marks)
Q3. Excavation of rectangular shape tunnels in bedded/stratified rock are shown in
Figure 3(a) and (b). The beddings in both conditions, are horizontal however the
stratum immediately above the tunnel exhibits different thickness (H and 2H).
The dimensions of the tunnels and properties of the surrounding rock are similar
for both cases.
(a)

(b)

(c)

Based purely on the thickness (H) and the resulting deflection () of the
immediate strata above these tunnel. Using simple calculation show which
tunnel has a higher sagging/deflection in its roof?
(4 marks)
3
Deflection, is directly propotional to 1/H
(1 mark)
Thinner bed sag/deflects more th
for tunnel 3(a) = 1/H3
(1 mark)
3
3
for tunnel 3(b) = 1/2H = 1/8H
(1 mark)
1/H3 > 1/8H3 (8:1, 8 times more)
Roof strata in tunnel 3(a) deflects more than 3(b)
(1 mark)
For the tunnel that exhibits sagging in its roof, propose a suitable rock
reinforcement method to stabilise its roof? Give an explanation how this method
helps to reduce sagging?
(4 marks)
Installed rock bolts in the tunnel roof
(1 mark)
By bolting the 2 strata together it forms a composite beam of larger effective
thickness (H + 2H), larger thickness means less deflection/sagging (3 marks)
Shotcrete (gunite) is a common rock support system and consists of spraying a
thin layer of concrete on tunnel surface. State one main function of this method
when used as tunnel stabilisation?
(3 marks)
Shotcrete helps to stabilise small rock blocks especially keyblocks on the tunnel
walls, if these keyblocks are not stabised it may lead to a bigger failure (3 mark)
OR special shotcrete can be used as water-proof lining against groundwater in
the rockmass surrounding the tunnel
H
2H
2H
H

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[a]

[b]
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Figure 3: Rectangular shape tunnel in stratified rock

Q4. A water transfer tunnel has been proposed as part of a water supply scheme.
Excavation is undertaken in granite and using TBM with an effective tunnel
diameter (D) of 4 m. The most critical stretch of the tunnel is when it is 300 m
deep below ground surface, and at this depth the following stresses prevail:

Vertical stress, V = 7.8 MPa

Horizontal stress, H = 2.6 MPa.

Detailed design indicates that the most critical portion of the tunnel at 300 m
deep is its roof section. So instrumentation is installed right after excavation to
monitor induced stress and thickness of yield zone in the roof. Instrumentation
consists of series of Talbots cells installed in a borehole at orientation = 00,
but the depth of each cell is at r = 2R, r = 4R and r = 8R from the tunnel centre.
The depths of the Talbots cells are shown in Figure 4.
Formula:
r = 1/2v R2/r2) + 1/2v 4R2/r2 R4/r4) cos 2
[R is radius of tunnel and r is depth into the tunnel, measured from its centre]
Assumptions:
No major discontinuities and tectonic stresses occur in the rock mass
The rock mass is linearly elastic, homogeneous and isotropic
Hydrostatic state of stress is applicable
The thickness of the yield zone is equal all around the circular tunnel
Aswer the following questions:
(a)

Yield zone is volume of in situ rock mass which is affected by the excavation of
the tunnel. Give two (2) example (in the form of work procedure or tunnel
design) that may help to reduce thickness of this yield zone?
(4 marks)
Thickness of yield zone depends on the amount of disturbance induces into the
rock mass surrounding the exacavated tunnel and this level of disturbance can
be reduced by adopting proper excavation procedure (e.g. NATM) (2 marks)
OR excavating tunnel of smaller cross-section as smaller excavation induced
less disturbance in the rock. (2 marks)
OR correct design on the shape of tunner example curve roof section to avoid
stress concentration.

(b)

Calculate the probable radial stresses rin MPa and at 2 decimal places) that
will be recorded by the Talbots cells at depth of r = 2R, r = 4R and r = 8R m?
(9 marks)
V = 7.8 MPa and H = 2.6 MPa
Substitute V = 7.8 MPa, H = 2.6 MPa, = 00, and R = R (radius of tunnel),
into the equation, and calculate r at distance r = 2R, r = 4R and r = 8R into the
roof:

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r = 1/2v R2/r2) + 1/2v 4R2/r2 R4/r4) cos 2
At r = 2R:
r = 4.39 MPa (3 marks)
At r = 4R:
r = 6.86 MPa (3 marks)
At r = 8R:
r = 7.56 MPa (3 marks)
(c)

Based on the values of rcalculated in question (b) above, determine the

approximate thickness (m) of the resulting yield zone arround this circular
tunnel, at depth of 300 m?
(3 marks)
From calculation at r > 8R, the value of r approaching 7.8 MPa (i.e. 7.56 is
approximately equals to 7.8 MPa) hence, this indicate that the radial stress is
approaching value of v.
Take r = 8R is the approximate depth of the yield zone into the tunnel roof.
Distance from centre of tunnel r = 8R, taking R= 2m, r =8 x 2 = 16 m (1 mark)
Thickness of yield zone = 16 2 m (R of tunnel is 2 m), approximately 14 m (2
marks)
(as thickness of yield zone is measured from the roof, not centre of tunnel).

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r = 8R

Talbots cell

r = 4R

r = 2R

Figure 4: Orientation and depth of Talbots cells from centre of tunnel

Q5

Excavation in rock induces certain degree of disturbance into the rock. This
disturbance takes the form of yield zone in the rock surrounding the excavation.
Answer the following questions.

(a)

Circular shape tunnel is excavated in Rock A and Rock B. The conditions of

each rock are listed in the table below. State which rock will lead to a thinner
yield zone upon excavation of the tunnel in these rocks?
(4 marks)

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(b)

Condition of Rock A and B

Rock with thinner yield zone

Rock A with 3 joint sets, Rock B with 1 joint

set
Rock A is granite, Rock B is sandstone

Rock B

Rock A with 70 % RQD and Rock B with 25

% RQD
Rock A with wider joint spacing and Rock B
with smaller joint spacing

Rock A

Rock A

Rock A

Two circular shape tunnels, Tunnel A and Tunnel B, are excavated in rock of
similar type and properties. Tunnel A is with 3 m radius and Tunnel B with 6 m
radius. Which tunnel will induce a thicker yield zone in the surrounding rock.
Give explanation for your answer
(4 marks)
Tunnel B with 6 m radius (1 mark)
Reason: The bigger the tunnel size, the more volume is being excavated and the
more disturbance is induces into the surrounding rock. More disturbance means
thicker yield zone (3 marks)

(c)

If the thickness of the yield zone in Tunnel A above is 4 m, what is the logical
length of rock bolts requires to stabilise the yield zone. Explain your answer
(note: consider the thickness of the yield zone and length of rock bolt that must
be anchored to the undisturbed rock beyond the yield zone)
(4 marks)
The length must be more than 4 m (say 5m) (1 mark)
The 4 m length will be in the yield zone, and the remaining length (say 1 m) is
to anchor the bolt in the undisturbed zone. (3 marks)
(If the bolt is 4 m length then, it will be position in the yield zone, and this is not
effective as the bolt is placed in disturbed zone).

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